The long weekend saw search and rescue teams out of Prince George, Quesnel and Central Cariboo rescue two kayakers missing overnight.
Quesnel Search and Rescue told The Citizen that the kayakers entered the Cottonwood River on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m. from Highway 97 with the intention of coming out at the Old Prince George Highway Bridge.
However, due to river rapids and dangerous conditions, as well as the kayakers using watercraft that were not suited for the river, they decided to stash their kayaks with the intention of hiking back to civilization.
After being declared overdue, a helicopter from Yellowhead Helicopter out of the Prince George Ops Centre and an RCMP helicopter searched and, within 30 minutes, found the subjects' kayaks along the river.
However, because the kayakers had left the area on foot, the helicopters were unable to locate them.
They were later located by Quesnel SAR in a clearing at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 1, after spending the night in the bush with no supplies. Both people were uninjured.
Quesnel RCMP warn other boater to avoid the water downriver of the HIghway 97 Cottonwood Bridge due to hazardous conditions.
